segment twenty-eight

Who did Tay think he was? I hated him! Well, I didn't hate him,
I loved him, but... oh, I don't know! I was confused and angry
and upset all in one. Right then I felt like throwing
up. It hurt so bad. I must have thought that everything would
turn out great like in all books and movies, and also in my
dreams. Where did I go wrong anyway?

I found myself peddling towards the nearby elementary school.
The school's gym was always open for kids to waltz in and start
up a game of basketball. I decided I could hide out there for a
while.

After parking my bike, I tried to brush my tears away as I
ran to the gym doors. Even before I opened the door, I could
tell a game was going on. It looked like a bunch of high-
schoolers were playing. I climbed the bleachers to the top row
to watch, although I didn't want to concentrate on the court.

Instead, I saw Taylor in my mind over and over, smiling at me.
I couldn't brush my thoughts away. Even though I wanted to
forget about him, I couldn't! If only things didn't have to be
so difficult! I felt my cheeks swell up again as I tried to hold
back another flood warning, but of course, I couldn't stop the
waterfall from spilling. My vision blurred and I wipped my face
with my sleeve.

Suddenly I realized how big a dork I must have been back at
home. Being all cheerful until Tay says no, and then I just fall
apart right in front of him. I could be so stupid sometime! Of
course, that thought just made me feel worse.

The sick feeling in the pit of my stomach wouldn't go away
either. For a while longer I just sat and stared, not caring what happened anymore. It almost
felt like my life was a complete waste. As my eyes finally
cleared up, I noticed Mark. He was playing in a game of
basketball with his friends.

Oh great! I thought. Just who I need to run into at this
moment! I looked away and prayed he wouldn't notice me.
Everything seemed to be going wrong for me that day, because
right after I noticed him, Mark approached me, taking a
quick break fromt he game. I just hoped he wouldn't be able to tell that I'd
been crying. Just my luck again...

"What's the matter with you, Girly?" he asked me in a cool
fashion.

"Go away," I mumbled without looking at him.

"Oh, come on, you can tell your future boyfriend can't you?" he
said and sat down next to me.

"Look, I'm not in the mood to be pushed around by you today so
do me a favor and bug off."

"Oh, come on-"

"I said go away!" I yelled at him and turned around. Suddenly
and strangely I began to laugh hard.

"What's so funny?" Mark asked me, confused.

I could barely stop to answer him. "That cast... on your
nose... you look halarious!"

"Oh, this?" he asked and pointed to the large brace on his
nose. "So, what? Tyler broke my nose. I can't exactly hide it."

I just couldn't stop laughing! "You look so stupid! Oh, and
it's Taylor, not Tyler."

"Whatever."

"Look, I've got to go," I said trying to make a run for it. So
much for trying to hide out.

"Mark, I wouldn't be playing with that broken nose of yours," I
said and giggled. Then I tugged loose.

Mark shook his head. "Fine, then I guess I'll see you around if
you're not with barbie." I knew he meant Taylor because of the
blonde hair part. The thought just made me feel all crappy
again.

I headed for the door and realized that it was beginning to
rain hard outside. Oh, just great! Now how am I gonna get
home?

"I'll drive you if you want..." I heard Mark from behind me.

I decided I'd rather walk through a hurricane then ride in a
car with Mark so I ignored him and ran out in the weather. The
storm was perfect for my mood.

I biked home and got soaked at the same time. I felt like
crying some more, but most of my sadness had turned to anger. I
was mad at Taylor.

As my house came into view, an important question popped up.
What am I going to do next anyway? Tay hates me now too...

* * *

I was greatful that Taylor wasn't in sight when I pulled open
the door and ran down to my room, dripping mud everywhere. I knew
I wouldn't be able to avoid him forever though. The first thing
I noticed after I flung my wet shoes into the closet was that
Tay's pink sleeping bag was gone from the floor.

He must have decided to move out, I thought and sighed. I
curled up in a tight ball on my bed and began to sobb again. It
just wasn't fair. The soft squeak of wet shoes enterd my bedroom
and I looked up. Mackenzie had walked in.

"Jafur, open please?" he asked innocently and handed me a
'barrel of monkeys' game. I smiled and took the jar from him.
"Where's Tayher?" he asked once I handed it back to him. "Mackie
wan to play."

"I don't know, Mackie. Have you looked upstairs?" I asked in a
soft voice.

"I whill," he concluded and dashed up the steps. I flipped the
switch on my radio to try and get my mind off of everything.

I stayed in my room for a long time until I felt a little bit
better. At least I had calmed down a bit. Well, I was calm until
I heard squeaky footsteps coming down the stairs towards my room
again. I looked over at the door expecting Mackie to be there
again. Instead, a soaking wet Taylor appeared and gave me a look
I'd never forget.

I glared at him to show him I hadn't fogiven him yet. Then I
noticed the tear stains on his cheeks. Oh my gosh! He's
actually been crying? Suddenly I felt bad. I knew I had to
apologize to him, but I didn't want to. I wanted to show him
that I didn't care. I didn't want to admit that I'd been wrong.
Instead I turned back to the book I'd been trying to read on my
bed.

Taylor didn't say anything. He just stood over me like a hawk.
"Hey guys it's time to eat-" Ike barged on into the room, but
stopped when he noticed Tay had been crying. "Um, Tay, what's
going on? And why are you so wet?"

"Nothing Ike. I was just outside looking for her," he
said and nodded towards me. Suddenly, I felt all weak. He'd
actually taken the time to go outside and look for me! I was
about to say something when he cut me off. "I don't know why I
even bothered."

My face turned red again. Well, if that's the way he feels,
that's fine with me! I don't care anymore anyway. I decided I
would ignore Taylor for the rest of the Hansons' stay. After
they left, I'd never have to worry about it again. I just wasn't
going to talk to Tay.

Slowly, I got up and started to leave. "Excuse me, but I'm
going up for dinner," I said angrily. On the way out, I caught
Ike's confused gaze. I rolled my eyes back towards Taylor and
stomped out. So much for my dream come true...